A Vacation Inside Your Dreams

Surreal and divine, the efflorescence of the visual magnificence of the backwaters of Kerala can leave one hooked and awe-struck. So welcome aboard!

Pic:Aditi Sharma

It is not everyday that the natural wonders around us have the ability of striking a dalliance with the spectators. Kumarkom is the that place which pulls its green curtains to reveal a long, unending stretch of clear blue. The backwaters silently reach out, touching the various islands sprawled around Kumarakom, leaving the spectators completely enthralled. The backwaters are born from here. The further you look, a beautiful blue-green union will leave you spell-bound, while it's all reflected in the azure sky.

Way to the waves

A flight to the Kochi airport is the starting point to the many wonders sealed inside the state. There are many roads that lead to the wonderful backwaters. One can book a cab or hitch a bus ride to the Kumarakom, which is at a distance of approximately 80 kms. If one is already enjoying some time off in the clouds and hills of Kottyam, then a train or a bus ride of just about 2 hours could take one straight to where the waters begin. It is a given, ofcourse, that a missed trip to the backwaters of Kerala is almost criminal, if one decides to visit the state that God calls his own. So do make sure to include this absolutely unearthly experience as a part of your Kerala itinerary.

Pic: Aditi Sharma

Riding on the ripples

Around 900 kms long and wide, the backwaters of Kerala can be explored, covered and clicked through a boat ride, the entire adventure of about 5-6 hours long. This is where the Arabian Sea meets the fresh water rivers, and gives rise to a unique marine world. As the bus/car starts descending, towards the banks of the backwaters, once can see the roads on either side, dotted with gangling Palm trees. The states name, infact, originates from the two words- 'Kera' + 'Alam', where 'Kera' means coconut and 'Alam' means land or location. It is therefore, quite common to spot small, rickety and straw-thatched shops selling not only coconuts in all sizes and colours, but also all kinds of fruits. As one enters Kumarakom, serene, almost freshly-laundered environment of the place takes one by surprise. The chirping of wild birds, peeking from an unknown distance help break the mysteriously silent atmosphere of the backwaters.

A bed of clay sand and a slippery inlet leads one towards a colony of the most exquisite, some majestic and extremely beautiful houseboats. Some houseboats have an open wide front, designed for some lazy bachelors, who want to lounge around with a small TV, food and drinks (a fridge kept in the corner), and watch the calm water. Some house boats are designed to carry not only one enthusiastic family, but the capacity to hold, almost 5 families at a time, providing privacy to all, by having almost 3 floors, with rows of rooms and large balconies.

Rowing towards the horizon

Pic: Aditi Sharma

The long hours spent on the boat, looking out to the mesmerizing waters goes by in a wink.  As one glides deeper and deeper, into the heart of the backwaters, the natural wonder and the one’s fabricated by man on the various islands that surround the waters come together as one perfect, picturesque view.  The aquatic life of the backwaters is varied and rather interesting. Not only do they provide a good habitat for crabs, frogs and mudskippers, terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants,  small turtles and otters also seem to call these waters their home. The labyrinth that breeds these sea creatures make the staple diet of the commoners of Kerala, and are quoted as delicacies when served on the plates for the tourists to gorge on.

The various islands that make a semi-circular cover around the backwaters are converted into the most breath-taking and luxurious resorts. Long, comfortable benches are spread along the banks of these islands, where happy and relaxed bones find peace and tranquility, watching the non-activity ahead. The boat, which starts in the morning, is inevitably parked at some random island, to break for lunch, where the inmates use that time to not only dig-in, but also assume the thrill of an adventurer and explore the wilderness of the island, with a group of babblers and an accompanied camera.

Pic: Aditi Sharma

The vacation, which is full of the greatest sights, food and travel, is no less than a fantastic dream. Visit Kerala, and reality might just happen to suddenly lack luster. Unbelievable? Believe it.